BFBS to end national DAB radio transmissions

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Forces radio station BFBS will come off the national digital radio multiplex Digital One in March after carrying out analysis over the costs.

The station told RadioToday that it can no longer justify the cost of the platform, but the radio service will continue as normal with no job losses.

BFBS is owned by Services Sound & Vision Corporation and operates a number of international stations plus various local community FM stations across the UK. BFBS Radio will continue on Sky, Freesat and online.

The finance for Forces Radio BFBS being on D1 is provided by SSVC out of its own charitable resources as the station carries no commercial advertising. “Like all charities we have to assess the value we get from everything we spend and measure it against all the demands on our resources,” the station said in a statement.

Glyn Jones, Commercial Manager for Digital One told RadioToday: “It’s always sad when a station stops broadcasting on Digital One, especially for its listeners and the programme team. But we recognise the financial pressures BFBS faces and know the charity’s Trustees have only taken this step reluctantly.”

We asked about a possible replacement for BFBS on D1, where space is limited, to which Glyn said: “We can’t confirm anything about what will replace BFBS and any changes need Ofcom’s approval. But I’m always keen to hear from new people wanting to join the 30+ commercial stations on national digital radio.”

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